SATURDAY, APRIL 13, 2013

VOLUME 7 NO. 15

Sierra Madre’s Quality of Life Is Second To None!

FORMER SIERRA MADRE MAYOR 
ENID JOFFE HONORED

HUCK FINN FISHING DERBY AND THE 

EASTER BUNNY KEEP THE SMILES ON THE FACES OF CHILDREN 
AND PARENTS ALIKE!


If Forrest Gump came to Sierra 
Madre, he would certainly say, “Life 
Is Like A Bowl of Cherries”!

And that is true when considering 
the quality of life in many places. 
There are an abundance of activities 
for the young and old, and especially 
families that provide wholesome, free 
activities for both the young and old. 
One such event was the 2013 Huck 
Finn Fishing Derby that took place 
last week. Young fisherman (and 
girls) camped out at the city’s settling 
basin which was stocked with fish for 
a weekend of old fashioned fun. This 
year 215 youth ages 3-15 participated in the event with many parents, family 
and friends in attendance as well. The fishing was fantastic this year as most 
young anglers caught at least one trout and many caught their limit of three! 
Awards were given in the following four age categories, as well as the Largest 
Overall fish and Smallest Overall fish. Age category winners were based on 
the total weight of a maximum three fish. 

 

Age Category 3-6 years:

• 1st – Travis Smith
• 2nd – Andrea Peeler
• 3rd – Lucas Kirages


Age Category 7-9 years:

• 1st – Aresha Echols
• 2nd – Luke Enriquez
• 3rd – Charlie Hynes


Age Category 10-12 years:

• 1st – Allison Kruger
• 2nd – Jillian Kruger
• 3rd – Lauren Meier


Age Category 13-15 years:

• 1st – Brock Vance
• 2nd – Samson Sly
• 3rd – Kyle Shigenaga


Largest Overall Fish – Travis Smith 
(5.85 lbs.) (Pictured Above)

Smallest Overall Fish – Michael 
Sheehan (.63 lbs.)

The City of Sierra Madre would like 
to thank the following sponsors 
for making the Huck Finn Fishing 
Derby and Campout such a success: 
Sierra Madre Volunteer Firefighter’s 
Association, Sierra Madre Civic 
Club, LA County Department of 
Power and Water, Sierra Madre 
Kiwanis Club, Okuma Fishing, 
Berkley – Pure Fishing, Danny Osti 
Tree Service, Johnny’s Sport Shop, 
Pasadena Casting Club, Sierra Madre 
Public Works, Chris Campbell and the 
Huck Finn Fishing Guides. (Photos 
courtesy the City of Sierra Madre)

A few weeks earlier, the Sierra Madre 
Fire Department hosted its annual 
Easter Egg hunt and again families 
were able to spend real quality with 
their children, the Easter Bunny and 
real firefighters and it didn’t cost a 
thing.

(Photos courtesy Rod Spears)

Yes, as for the quality of life in this 
town, you just can’t ask for much 
more!

San Marino, CA – On Saturday, Rep. 
Judy Chu (CA-27) recognized outstanding 
women from the 27th Congressional 
District during her fourth 
annual Women of Distinction Awards 
in Huntington Library in San Marino. 
Recipients included Former Mayor 
Joffe and Monrovia Mayor Mary Ann 
Lutz.

 The event honored women entrepreneurs, 
volunteers, civil servants and 
a female Olympian, all from the San 
Gabriel Valley. The 16 honorees represent 
the 16 cities in the 27th Congressional 
District. Each honoree was 
chosen from nominations submitted 
by members of their communities. 

 “No words can describe the contributions 
that all sixteen of these amazing 
women have made to our community 
in the San Gabriel Valley and to the 
world at large,” said Rep. Chu. “From 
competing for our nation on the global 
stage, to advocating for those with developmental 
(cont. on page 3)


Former Mayor Joffe (inset)

MVNews File Photo

COUNCIL EXTENDS SECOND UNIT 
AMNESTY PROGRAM


At the April 9, 2013, the Sierra Madre 
City Council extended the Second 
Unity Amnesty Program for an additional 
three months. The original 
end of the program was scheduled for 
April 15th. Below is a description of 
the program partially taken from the 
City’s website:

Sierra Madre initiated a Second Unit 
Amnesty Program for a six month period, 
from October 15, 2012 to April 
15, 2013. It is now extended until July 
15th. The City recognizes there are a 
number of second units in the community 
built without permits; these can 
be counted towards meeting the State-
mandated regional housing needs allocation 
(the state requires the City 
have a certain number of affordable 
housing unit available to residents). 
Second Unit Amnesty Program offers 
incentives to property owners registering 
existing, non-permitted second 
units demonstrating safe and habitable 
conditions. Incentives for the property 
owner include a full waiver of the 
building application fee, a 50% break 
on building permit and planning fees 
if necessary, and relaxation of zoning 
standards. 

What is a Second Unit?

 A second unit is a self-contained residential 
dwelling unit either attached 
to the main house (with separate entry 
from the outside), or in a separate 
structure on the property. A second 
unit provides complete independent 
facilities for living, sleeping, eating, 
cooking, and sanitation.

 The City’s goals in establishing the 
amnesty program are: 

•To encourage healthy and safe conditions 
in existing housing units.

•To meet the City’s share of affordable 
housing units required by the State. 

•To reduce or eliminate the requirement 
to establish zoning for higher 
density multi-family housing.

 

Why Would I Want A Second Unit 
Amnesty Permit?

 •A legal second unit can increase your 
property value and make it more attractive 
to potential buyers.

•Provides an opportunity to register 
existing second units with the City.

•Allows for the relaxation of development 
standards during the amnesty 
period, such as reduced setbacks, and 
increased height and square feet limits.

 

City staff can provide additional information 
regarding eligibility requirements 
and other zoning standards. 
The City stresses that property owners 
who inquire about the amnesty 
program will not be penalized for 
their non-permitted second unit. Information 
applicants provide on the 
Amnesty Permit application will not 
be used as the basis for enforcement 
action unless there is a clear and imminent 
danger to public safety and/or 
environmental health.

 

For additional information please 
contact the Sierra Madre Development 
Services Department at (626) 
355-7138.


EYEWITNESS TO THE PHONY ROCKERFELLER TRIAL......................Page 5

This Week’s Highlights: 

Calendar Page 2

Sierra Madre News Page 3

Pasadena/Altadena Page 4

Around San Gabriel Valley Page 5

Looking Up Page 5

Arcadia Page 6

Monrovia/Duarte Page 7

Education and Youth Page 8

Good Food & Drink Page 9

Best Friends Page 10

The Good Life Page 11

Healthy Living Page 12

Arts and Entertainment Page 13

Business Today Page 14

Sports Page 15

Left Turn/Right Turn Page 16

Opinion Page 17

Legal Notices Page 18-21

AROUND SG Valley

5

3

SIERRA MADRE NEWS

Also Inside Section B

ARCADIA NEWS

6

4

PASADENA/ALTADENA

MONROVIA/DUARTE

7

Fire Captain gives account of Home Depot incident; 
New Recylcing Facility Banned


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